In a heated exchange on social media platform X, Jeff Bartos, the U.S. representative to the United Nations for Management and Reform, delivered a sharp retort to Cuban diplomat Ernesto Soberón Guzmán. This public spat has intensified the already strained relations between the two delegations at the UN General Assembly.
Soberón had dismissed the book "The Double Life of Fidel Castro" as a "cheap novel" after Bartos was seen reading it on Wednesday, during Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla’s speech at the General Assembly. The Cuban diplomat mockingly suggested that Bartos should spend his time studying the Assembly’s rules and the UN delegate's handbook instead of indulging in "cheap novels."
Bartos swiftly countered with a pointed response: "Mistakes? Your entire 67-year communist experiment has been a colossal mistake. Blackouts. Breadlines. Over 800 political prisoners. Millions fleeing Cuba while the communist elite—like you—live like royalty. Your boss just presided over his worst UN vote in 20 years. The only fiction here is that communism works."
The book in question, written by Juan Reinaldo Sánchez, Castro’s personal bodyguard for 17 years, alongside French journalist Axel Gyldén, was published in 2015. It unveils a stark contrast to Castro’s austere public image, detailing his lavish lifestyle, including over 20 residences, four yachts, a hunting ground, and the exclusive use of Cayo Piedra, a private island with a floating restaurant and dolphinarium.
Earlier, Bartos had recommended the book on X, stating, "It's a great read. Learn all about the Cuban regime's private island and immense wealth from Castro's bodyguard of 17 years."
This exchange marks the latest in a series of unprecedented confrontations between the delegations. Earlier in the week, Ambassador Michael Waltz presented photos to the General Assembly of Rolex watches, reportedly owned by Castro and valued at around $40,000—equivalent to about 55 years of the average Cuban salary—alongside Hermès ties and Montblanc pens linked to Díaz-Canel, and images of a Castro family property in Varadero spanning about 14,000 square meters.
During the same session, Rodríguez physically approached the podium while Waltz was speaking, shouting, "You are a liar!" to which Waltz retorted, "This is America. Step back." The Assembly’s president, Khalilur Rahman, briefly suspended the session.
The following day, Cuban diplomat Richard Tur de la Concepción was expelled from the United States after attempting to seize a phone from Waltz's spokesperson during the altercation.
Bartos' response to Soberón is especially significant in light of the recent "worst vote in 20 years," referring to the annual embargo vote held on Wednesday. The resolution to end the embargo received only 130 votes in favor, compared to 165 in 2025 and 187 in 2024, with 17 votes against and 25 abstentions—the worst result for Havana since it began presenting the initiative in 1992.
Understanding the Recent US-Cuba Diplomatic Clash
What sparked the confrontation between Jeff Bartos and Ernesto Soberón?
The confrontation was sparked by Soberón’s dismissive remarks about a book Bartos was reading, leading to a heated exchange over social media.
What is the significance of the book "The Double Life of Fidel Castro" in this context?
The book, authored by Castro’s former bodyguard, reveals a lavish lifestyle contrary to Castro’s public image, illustrating the discrepancies in the Cuban regime.
Why did Richard Tur de la Concepción get expelled from the United States?
He was expelled after attempting to grab a phone from a spokesperson during an altercation at the UN General Assembly.
What does the "worst vote in 20 years" refer to?
It refers to the annual UN vote on the embargo against Cuba, where the resolution to end it received significantly fewer votes than in previous years.